There are a lot of myths and half-truths surrounding AD (atopic dermatitis, reduce AD flares
What are triggers?
As with many other chronic illnesses, your AD can flare from time to time. A variety of different factors can trigger flares in your AD symptoms. These can vary from person to person and change from season to season. Although some symptoms may go away at certain times of the year, your AD may still be active.1 You may find that your symptoms flare when you are exposed to certain triggers, such as1:
Common AD triggers1
IRRITANTS
Irritants such as soaps and detergents, including shampoo, washing-up liquid and bubble bath
ALLERGENS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Allergens and environmental factors can be a trigger, too, like pollen and moulds, house dust mites, pet fur, dampness, or cold and dry weather
FOOD ALLERGIES
Food allergies to substances such as cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, soy and wheat
FABRICS
Fabrics and certain materials worn next to the skin, such as wool and synthetics
HORMONAL CHANGES
Hormonal changes in the days before their period or during pregnancy, some women find that their symptoms get worse
Tracking your flares
Tracking your medication, symptoms and overall well-being may help identify potential triggers of your flares.2 Identify any patterns when you feel a flare coming on. For example, do you have increased stress levels before a flare?1,2 You can also share this information with your doctor, who can help you identify potential triggers based on their clinical experience, with the aim of helping prevent future flares. Read more about managing itch and pain.
Reducing flares2
It’s important to remind yourself that while some symptoms may be especially difficult to manage, they may be temporary. If you take your medication properly and follow your doctor’s instructions, you may experience a reduction in how often you have flares. Tracking your response to triggers in combination with your medication can help you feel more in control of your AD.
AD and me
AD is a condition that affects people young and old, from all backgrounds and ethnicities. You can meet some of them here, read their stories.
References: 1. Healthline. Reasons your eczema might be flaring up. Available from: healthline.com/health/severeeczema/triggers-how-to-avoid Accessed: August 2025. 2. National Eczema Society. Flare-ups. Available from: eczema.org/information-and-advice/living-with-eczema/flare-ups/ Accessed: August 2025. AC-005092-00. AU-RNQ-250046. August 2025.